Welcome to the North Carolina FSA!
Hello, and a hearty welcome to the North Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) website! As a vibrant U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) branch, we're passionately committed to backing our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers throughout the state. Our guiding mission is simple yet profound: to empower your success through financial aid, technical expertise, and enriching educational resources.We recognize that farming isn't just a profession; it's a way of life. And we're well aware of the trials and tribulations that come with it. This understanding fuels our dedication to help you steer through the intricate realm of agriculture. Whether you're searching for guidance on crop insurance, seeking assistance for farm loans, or exploring conservation programs, rest assured our seasoned team is ready and eager to support you.
With immense pride, we serve North Carolina's diverse agricultural community. Whether you've been tilling the land for decades or have just sown your first seed, our website is your go-to hub for valuable insights on a wide range of programs, services, and opportunities. We invite you to explore our website, discover more about the FSA, and see how we can nourish your agricultural endeavors. We can't thank you enough for your interest and unwavering dedication to the vibrant tapestry of North Carolina agriculture!
Meet Your FSA State Committee Members
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for North Carolina are:
T. Pender Sharp (Chair) | Cynthia Drumwright |
John E. Ashe, Jr. | Phillip C. Farland |
Aaron Martin |
County Committees
Like the state committee, each county has a committee comprising local farmers and ranchers. These committees impact the administration of their local FSA office within a community. They help make determinations on programs such as disaster assistance, hiring decisions, and assist with outreach. Board members are elected by their peers (local farmers and landowners) in the fall of every year. Click the link below to find out when your local committee convenes monthly. *Note: As of June 15, NC FSA is accepting nominations for farmers and ranchers to serve on local county committees. All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2023.View County Committee Meeting Dates
Featured Programs
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) | Discrimination Financial Assistance Program | Microloan Programs |
NAP pays covered producers of covered noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters (includes native grass for grazing). Eligible producers must have purchased NAP coverage for the current crop year. Producers with NAP coverage must notify the FSA office where their farm records are maintained and complete Part B (the Notice of Loss portion) of form CCC-576, “Notice of Loss and Application for Payment" within 15 calendar days of their loss. | USDA announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. To apply, borrowers have the option to apply via the e-filing portal at 22007apply.gov or submit paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to the program’s local offices. The application process will be open from July 7 to October 31, 2023. | Microloans are FSA Direct Loans, either Farm Ownership and Operating Loans with a shortened application process and reduced paperwork designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional, and niche-type operations. The maximum loan amount for a Microloan is $50,000. FSA’s Direct Operating loan interest rate applies to Operating Microloans. FSA's Direct Farm Ownership loan interest rate applies to Farm Ownership Microloans. The interest rate charged is always the lower rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing for the type of loan wanted. Interest rates are calculated monthly and are posted on the 1st of each month. |
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Dates to Remember
*To view a schedule of USDA-observed holidays, visit our State Events tabDeadline | Program or Service |
July 10, 2023 | Rice Production Program |
July 14, 2023 | Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2 and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) |
July 15, 2023 | Nomination for the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production |
July 26, 2023 Extended to August 11, 2023 | Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) |
August 1, 2023 | Nomination for the Local County Committee |
October 31, 2023 | Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) |
October 31, 2023 | Discrimination Financial Assistance Program |
January 31, 2024 | Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program |
On the Go? Stay Connected with USDA.
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